Eugene Henry Hesslink, age 88, died Tuesday afternoon in Astoria Skilled Nursing after a brief illness. Born in Canton to the late Edwin & Bernette (Hook) Hesslink he was a life resident. Gene graduated from McKinley High School, attended Kent State University and was retired from Canton City Schools. Following his retirement he and his wife Virginia move to Florida where they resided for 21 years returning to Canton in 2009. He was a life long member of First Church of the Resurrection where he served both as elder and deacon. He was a 60 year member of Wm McKinley Lodge # 431 F & AM where he was Chaplain Emeritus, also a member of Riverview Florida Scottish Rite Valley of Tampa, Egypt Shrine Temple Tampa, FL, Honorary lifetime member of Sun City Center Shrine Club, Past Patron of DeSoto Chapter 201 OES, Riverview FL. Gene was also a Kentucky Colonel, and in his youth he was a Boy Scout and a member of Canton Chapter Order of DeMolay. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years Virginia Hesslink on March 14, 2010. Survivors include his daughter: Charlene (Neil) Norton of Canton. Two granddaughters: Christine (Mike) Feigl of Akron and Brenda (Donald) Jordan of Louisville, OH. Four Great grandchildren: Nicholas, Jenn, Kaitlyn and Owen. Friends may call on Friday from 5:30 to 6:30 P.M. in the Spiker-Foster-Shriver Funeral Home 4817 Cleveland Ave., N.W. A Masonic Service will be Friday at 6:30 P.M. followed by a funeral service with Pastor Bruce Mont of First Church of the Resurrection officiating. A private interment will be in North Lawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Egypt Temple Transportation Fund 4050 Dana Shores Dr. Tampa, FL 33634-7499. " God bless You and be nice to everyone" Uncle Henry himself.